Jèrriais | Jersey Heritage
Jèrriais, the indigenous language of Jersey, is more than just words; it is a living connection to the Island's rich history and culture
Jèrriais, the indigenous language of Jersey, is more than just words; it is a living connection to the Island’s rich history and culture.
This Norman language
, similar to that spoken by William the Conqueror and carried through the centuries by the Islanders, offers a unique insight into Jersey’s landscape and way of life. Today, Jèrriais is still visible across the Island, woven into place names, family names, and even the rhythm of Island life. It is a language that deserves to be celebrated and preserved.
We invite everyone to embrace Jèrriais as a vital part of Jersey’s intangible cultural heritage. By celebrating this language, we keep alive the stories, traditions, and values that have shaped the Island for generations. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the Island, Jèrriais offers a deeper understanding of what makes Jersey unique.
At our sites, we display information bilingually and our staff have job titles in Jèrriais and English. To support your use of Jèrriais in modern life, we offer tailored translation services. Our team can visit you and discuss your language plan.  We can help integrate Jèrriais into your products, communications, events, and educational programs.
To further enrich our resources, we welcome contributions from the community. Sound recordings, literature, and objects related to Jèrriais are invaluable in helping us create authentic materials for preserving and passing on the language. By supporting us, you help to ensure that Jèrriais remains an integral part of Jersey’s future.
Learn
Online
If you feel inspired to learn the language yourself, join the FREE online Beginner Jèrriais course, provided by the Jèrriais Teaching Service. It’s open to all ages. No experience needed.
You’ll learn to speak Jèrriais, build conversation skills, and explore Jersey’s culture, folklore and traditions.
The ten-lesson course is on Mondays from 15 September to 24 November, 2pm–2.45pm (UK time)
To book your place, email
aline.cattermole@jerseyheritage.org
Questions?
Let's answer them...
What is Jèrriais?
Jèrriais
is a Norman language,
related
to the languages spoken in Guernsey, Sark and mainland Normandy
any
Jèrriais
words are recognisable to readers of French, but
don’t
be fooled:
Jèrriais
has a distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar that
make
it
different
from both French and English
, even though it is
sometimes
known colloquially as ‘Jersey French
Jèrriais is an endangered language and there are ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalise it, including educational programs and cultural initiatives.
Jèrriais is a vital component of the Island’s identity, representing a link to its history and traditions and, in 2019, the government of Jersey adopted Jèrriais as its 3rd official language
(alongside
French
and English
How can I learn Jèrriais?
Jersey Heritage offers the opportunity for you to come along to
informal chat groups
and speak with other learners and native speakers.  If you’re not quite ready to speak yet, that’s fine, just come along to listen.
A Jèrriais class is available online for those who want a structured approach to learning the language but cannot attend classes in Jersey,
email us
for more information.
We are also committed to including the language in our events, so if you attend any of our sessions, listen out! Additionally, we offer Jèrriais- specific
events
throughout the year.
Jersey Heritage sites also offer books in the language to assist your learning.
Schools
If you are still at school, your school can request that the
Jèrriais Teaching Service
visit and make plans to be included in the school curriculum.
Our
Jersey Heritage Education Team
offer a whole range of heritage-related sessions and, of course, these include the indigenous language.
This is also available to those in Further Education.
What services does Société Jersiaise provide?
Jersey Heritage work closely with the Société Jersiaise to offer community events which celebrate the language.
For those wishing to dive deeper into J
rriais, the
Société Jersiaise
maintains a library of Jèrriais literature for research.
L’Assemblié  d’Jèrriais holds a monthly meeting to discuss language-related issues
You can also try traditional dancing and singing in Jèrriais.
Finding appropriate Jè
rriais
words for the modern world is the responsibility of
L’Académie du Jè
rriais
Can I get some wording translated into Jèrriais?
If you, your organisation or business would like a sign, slogan or short message translated into Jèrriais, please get in touch as we provide a free Jèrriais translation service.
Email our Jèrriais Promotion Officer
and we’ll do our best to help. Please note that if your translation is substantial, there may be a charge involved.
Interested in this language?
Here’s a few tips and phrases to get you started...
Where a word has the letters o and
together (
ou
preceding a vowel
they are
pronounced as W, as in St Ouen
for those familiar with Jersey place names
.)
The letters ‘dg’ are pronounced as ‘J’ (for Jersey)
‘li’ and ‘ly’ are pronounced as ‘y’ (for yellow)
Bouônjour
Hello
A bétôt
Goodbye
Oui / Oui-dgia
Yes / Yes, indeed
Nânnîn
No
S’i’ t’pliaît –
Please
Mèrcie
Thank you
Jé n’comprends pon
I don’t understand
And one to which many Jersey residents, indeed all those living near the sea, can relate:
Les
mauves sont affront
es comme
eune
bele
The seagulls are as cheeky as a weasel!
Listen
Small Island, Big Stories Sessions Podcast
Join
Come to our chat group
Come and hear the language being spoken at our chat group, every Thursday at Jersey Museum.
Find out more